U.S. patent application number 14/280465 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for motorcycle fork restraint device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Works Connection, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Works Connection, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric Phipps.
Application Number | 20140360827 14/280465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47174109 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140360827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Phipps; Eric |
December 11, 2014 |
MOTORCYCLE FORK RESTRAINT DEVICE
Abstract
A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension
comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a
first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a
trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining
hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining
hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the
suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one
magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining
hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of
the suspension.
Inventors: |
Phipps; Eric; (Placerville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Works Connection, Inc. |
Diamond Springs |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Works Connection, Inc.
Diamond Springs
CA
|
Family ID: |
47174109 |
Appl. No.: |
14/280465 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13475264 |
May 18, 2012 |
8727081 |
|
|
14280465 |
|
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|
|
61488681 |
May 20, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
188/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 25/08 20130101;
F16F 9/56 20130101; B62K 2025/047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
188/300 |
International
Class: |
F16F 9/56 20060101
F16F009/56 |
Claims
1. A suspension restraint device comprising: a telescopic
suspension comprising: an outer tube, an inner tube, and wherein
the outer tube and the inner tube are configured to be movable
relative to one another; a first portion secured to a first
location on the suspension, the first portion comprising: an
engagement portion; and a second portion secured to a second
location on the suspension, the second portion comprising: a body,
a lever-actuated restraining hook configured to selectively engage
the engagement portion of the first portion to secure the
suspension in a partially compressed position, and at least one
magnetic member configured to retract the restraining hook.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the telescopic suspension further
comprises a fork guard.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the second portion is secured to
the fork guard.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the lever-actuated restraining
hook comprises a trigger.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the trigger comprises a curved
surface configured to accommodate the setting of the device by a
gloved hand.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one magnetic member
comprises: a first magnetic member coupled to the body of the
second portion; a second magnetic member coupled to the trigger;
and wherein the first and second magnetic members are configured to
create a magnetic force tending to retract the restraining hook
into the body.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the engagement portion of the
first portion comprises a second restraining hook configured to
engage the lever-actuated restraining hook.
8. The device of claim 7, the second restraining hook comprising:
an interference surface configured to engage the lever-actuated
restraining hook, and a chamfered surface; and wherein the
lever-actuated restraining hook comprises: an interference surface
configured to engage the second restraining hook, and a chamfered
surface, thereby allowing the chamfered surface of the
lever-actuated restraining hook to glide over the chamfered surface
of the second hook as the restraint device is being set.
9. A method of using a suspension restraint device, the method
comprising: compressing said suspension; lifting a lever actuated
restraining hook against a biasing magnetic force and engaging it
with an engagement portion of the suspension; and disengaging the
hook from the engagement portion, wherein the hook retracts to
provide clearance from the engagement portion.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the disengaging is accomplished
by braking or encountering a bump.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the retraction is accomplished
through at least one magnetic member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Related applications are identified in an application data
sheet (ADS) filed with this application.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The entireties of all applications listed in the ADS filed
herewith are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein and
made a part of the present disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to temporary
restraint devices for motorcycle suspension assemblies. In
particular, the present invention relates to a restraint device for
temporarily restraining a motorcycle front fork assembly in a
partially compressed position having an improved construction with
a more robust and reliable release mechanism.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] A variety of restraint devices have been employed to
temporarily secure a motorcycle front suspension fork assembly in a
partially or fully compressed position for a period of time and
then to release the suspension fork and permit normal operation to
continue. Typically, the restraint devices are used to hold the
suspension fork in a partially compressed position for the start of
a motorcycle race to shift the center of gravity of the motorcycle
in a forward direction and reduce the tendency of the front wheel
of the motorcycle to lift off the ground or reduce the distance
that the wheel lifts off the ground. The restraint devices respond
to further compression of the suspension fork, usually caused by
braking of the motorcycle, to release the suspension fork and move
to a retracted position, in which normal operation of the
suspension fork is resumed. One example of a temporary suspension
restraint device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,852 to Maret,
the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Preferred embodiments of the motorcycle fork restraint
device provide a robust and reliable design. Preferably, the
restraint devices employ one or more magnets that develop a force
tending to bias the restraint device toward a released or retracted
position. In preferred arrangements, the magnet(s) develop all or
substantially all of the biasing force tending to move the
restraint device toward the released or retracted position. That
is, preferably, other biasing elements, such as the springs often
used in restraint devices, are omitted. The applicant has
discovered that a magnetic-based retraction or release mechanism
provides reliable operation and longevity of the restraint device
and allows a motorcycle rider to set the device without assistance.
[0008] 1. A suspension restraint device including a telescopic
suspension having an outer tube, an inner tube, and wherein the
outer tube and the inner tube are configured to be movable relative
to one another. A first portion of the restraint device is secured
to a first location on the suspension. The first portion includes
an engagement portion. A second portion of the restraint device is
secured to a second location on the suspension. The second portion
includes a body and a lever-actuated restraining hook configured to
selectively engage the engagement portion of the first portion to
secure the suspension in a partially compressed position. At least
one magnetic member is configured to retract the restraining hook.
[0009] 2. The device of paragraph 1, wherein the telescopic
suspension further includes a fork guard. [0010] 3. The device of
paragraph 2, wherein the second portion is secured to the fork
guard. [0011] 4. The device of paragraph 1, wherein the
lever-actuated restraining hook includes a trigger. [0012] 5. The
device of paragraph 4, wherein the trigger includes a curved
surface configured to accommodate the setting of the device by a
gloved hand. [0013] 6. The device of paragraph 4, wherein the at
least one magnetic member includes a first magnetic member coupled
to the body of the second portion and a second magnetic member
coupled to the trigger. The first and second magnetic members are
configured to create a magnetic force tending to retract the
restraining hook into the body. [0014] 7. The device of paragraph
1, wherein the engagement portion of the first portion includes a
second restraining hook configured to engage the lever-actuated
restraining hook. [0015] 8. The device of paragraph 7, wherein the
second restraining hook includes an interference surface configured
to engage the lever-actuated restraining hook and a chamfered
surface. The lever-actuated restraining hook includes an
interference surface configured to engage the second restraining
hook and a chamfered surface, thereby allowing the chamfered
surface of the lever-actuated restraining hook to glide over the
chamfered surface of the second hook as the restraint device is
being set. [0016] 9. A method of using a suspension restraint
device, the method including compressing the suspension, lifting a
lever actuated restraining hook against a biasing magnetic force
and engaging it with an engagement portion of the suspension, and
disengaging the hook from the engagement portion, wherein the hook
retracts to provide clearance from the engagement portion. [0017]
10. The method of paragraph 9, wherein the disengaging is
accomplished by braking or encountering a bump. [0018] 11. The
method of paragraph 9, wherein the retraction is accomplished
through at least one magnetic member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Certain features, aspects and advantages of the present
suspension restraint devices are described below with reference to
drawings of preferred embodiments, which are provided for the
purpose of illustration and not limitation. The drawings contain
eight (8) figures.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a motorcycle
including a front suspension system incorporating a temporary
restraint device having certain features, aspects and advantages of
the preferred embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of the front suspension system and
restraint device of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the front suspension system and
restraint device of FIG. 1 with the front suspension system in a
partially retracted position.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of a first portion of the restraint
device that is coupled to a first portion of the suspension
system.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second portion of the
restraint device that is coupled to a second portion of the
suspension system.
[0025] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the restraint device in engaged
and disengaged positions, respectively.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the first
portion of the restraint device removed from the suspension
system.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
first portion of the restraint device removed from the suspension
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a vehicle
suspension assembly temporary restraint device 10. In the
illustrated arrangement, the restraint device 10 is employed with a
front suspension fork assembly 11 of a motorcycle; however, the
device 10 could be used or modified for use with other suspension
assemblies or in other vehicle applications, as well. The
illustrated suspension fork is a so-called "upside down" telescopic
suspension fork that includes an upper portion, or upper tube 12,
and a lower portion, lower tube or stanchion 14. As is known, the
fork could reverse the illustrated arrangement and position the
larger, outer tube at the bottom and the smaller, inner tube at the
top. The tubes 12, 14 are telescopically engaged with one another
to move between an extended position and a compressed position. The
suspension fork typically includes a suspension spring and a damper
assembly, as is known. The illustrated suspension fork also
includes a guard 16 that protects the lower tube 14, such as a
forward and/or outside portion of the lower tube 14, and provides a
location to mount a portion of the restraint device 10. However,
the device 10 can be secured to any suitable location on the
suspension fork, or to a specifically-constructed support
structure. Preferably, the complete assembly of the restraint
device 10 would be lightweight, for example weighing only about 50
grams or less.
[0029] The illustrated restraint device 10 includes a first portion
20, which is referred to as a fork band herein because, in the
illustrated arrangement, the first portion 20 is in the form of a
band that surrounds the fork. However, the first portion 20 could
be secured to the fork in another suitable manner or could be
secured to the lower portion 14 of the fork instead. The restraint
device 10 also includes a second portion 22, which is referred to
as a lever portion herein. The fork band 20 and lever portion 22
are secured to opposite portions of the suspension fork and are
configured to selectively engage one another, upon actuation of the
restraint device 10, to secure the fork in a partially compressed
position. That is, the fork band 20 is coupled to one of the
telescopic portions (e.g., the upper tube 12) and the lever portion
22 is coupled to the other of the telescopic portions (e.g., the
lower portion 14). In the illustrated arrangement, the fork band 20
is secured to the upper tube 12 and the lever portion 22 is secured
to the lower tube 14 and, in particular, to the guard 16.
Preferably, a surface of the lever portion 22 which is in contact
with the guard 16 may be contoured such that the surface
corresponds to the shape of the guard 16, allowing the lever
portion 22 to be in contact with the guard 16 throughout its
surface area. The fork band 20 and lever portion 22 are located on
the respective tubes 12, 14 such that, when engaged, the suspension
fork is temporarily secured in a desired partially compressed
position. The location of one or both of the fork band 20 and lever
portion 22 can be altered to determine the exact partially
compressed position. In some preferred arrangements, the location
of the lever portion 22 is varied to determine the amount of
compression when the restraint device 10 is engaged. In other
arrangements, the location of the fork band 20 is varied to
determine the amount of compression when the restraint device 10 is
engaged. When the suspension fork is further compressed from the
partially compressed position, usually due to braking forces or
encountering a bump, the restraint device 10 disengages to permit
normal operation of the suspension fork.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 6A-6B, the illustrated lever portion
22 includes a body 24 and a lever-actuated, pivoting restraining
hook, which is referred to herein as a trigger 26. The body 24
preferably is elongated in a vertical direction and defines a
generally hollow interior space that faces the fork guard 16 when
assembled to the suspension fork. The interior space accommodates a
substantial portion of the trigger 26. The body 24 also supports a
bearing support or pin 28 that rotatably supports the trigger 26.
The pin 28 can be a spring pin in some arrangements. The trigger 26
includes an actuation portion 30, or finger grip portion, that
protrudes in a forward direction from the body 24 through an
opening 31 in the forward wall of the body 24 and is accessible to
a user of the device 10. The actuation portion 30 may be curved to
facilitate setting the restraint device 10 with a gloved finger.
The trigger 26 also includes an engagement portion 32, which is
referred to herein as a hook. The hook 32 can be retracted within
the interior space of the body 24 in a retracted position, or a
released or disengaged position of the restraint device 10 (FIG.
6B). The hook 32 can also be exposed and extend rearwardly of the
body 24 in an advanced position, or an engaged or actuated position
of the restraint device 10 (FIG. 6A). In the advanced position, the
hook 32 extends through a boss 34, which itself extends through an
opening present or created in the fork guard 16. Also, in the
advanced position, the hook 32 is positioned rearwardly of the fork
guard 16 such that it can engage with the fork band 20 to
selectively secure the suspension fork in a partially compressed
position.
[0031] In the advanced position, the actuation portion 30 defines
an angle .THETA..sub.1 relative to a front face of the body 24
and/or generally with an axis of the leg of the suspension fork. In
one arrangement, the angle .THETA..sub.1 can be about 90 degrees.
In the retracted position, the actuation portion 30 defines an
angle .THETA..sub.2 relative to a front face of the body 24 and/or
generally with an axis of the leg of the suspension fork. In one
arrangement, the angle .theta..sub.2 can be about 65 degrees. These
angles facilitate operation of the restraint device 10, even with
gloved hands, while also being of a sufficient difference to
provide a visual indication of the position. During movement
between the retracted position and the advanced position and in
either position, the shape of the trigger 26 reduces the window for
particle entry into the lever portion 22.
[0032] The lever portion 22 also includes at least one magnetic
member and, preferably, a pair of magnetic members 36, 38. One
magnetic member 36 is coupled to the body 24 and the other magnetic
member 38 is coupled to the trigger 26. The magnetic members 36, 38
are arranged to attract one another to create a magnetic force
tending to move the trigger 26 toward the retracted position.
Accordingly, when released from the fork band 20, the trigger 26 is
returned to the retracted position to permit continued normal
operation of the suspension fork without interference from the
restraint device 10. The magnetic members 36, 38 require the
trigger 26 to be lifted in order to set the restraint device 10, so
that a rock or other debris contacting the vehicle during operation
is less likely to accidentally engage the restraint device 10. It
has been determined by the applicant that the magnetically-actuated
restraint device 10 provides reliable operation even in adverse
conditions (e.g., muddy, wet or cold environments). Although the
illustrated lever portion 22 includes magnetic members configured
to attract one another, it is also possible to arrange the magnetic
members to repel one another; however, the location of the members
should be modified such that the force generated still tends to
move the trigger 26 toward the retracted position. Moreover,
although two magnetic members are employed, it is also possible to
employ a single magnetic member in cooperation with a magnetically
attractive material or member. As used herein, the term "magnetic
member" can refer to magnetic elements having opposite poles or to
magnetically attractive materials or members. The illustrated
magnetic members are circular in shape from an end view and the
same or similar in size (e.g., diameter and thickness). However,
other shapes and sizes can also be employed and one magnetic member
can be sized differently than the other magnetic member.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 7, a preferred embodiment of the fork
band 20 is illustrated. The fork band 20 is configured to surround
a fork leg and includes an assembly slot 40, preferably at or near
a rearward portion of the fork band 20. The fork band 20 can
include a threaded opening configured to receive a threaded
fastener, which is used to reduce the diameter of the fork band 20
to secure the fork band 20 to a fork leg. However, other suitable
arrangements for fixing the fork band 20 to the fork leg can also
be employed.
[0034] A forward-facing portion of the fork band 20 includes an
engagement portion 42, which is configured to engage the hook 32 of
the trigger 26 (FIGS. 6A-B). The illustrated engagement portion 42
includes an upwardly-facing hook 44. The fork band 20 includes a
front wall portion 45 with a forward-facing surface 46 bounded at
each side by projections 48. The surface 46 is spaced rearwardly
from the hook 44 to provide a space to accommodate the hook 32 of
the trigger 26. A radial distance of the hook 44 from a center
point of the opening of the fork band 20 can be varied to
accommodate a spacing of the fork guard 16 from the suspension
fork. The projections 48, front wall portion 45 and a lower wall
portion 50 provide strength and rigidity to the hook 44, while
still permitting access to the hook 44 to ensure easy engagement of
the restraint device 10.
[0035] In the illustrated arrangement, the hook 44 of the fork band
20 is a male or protruding member and the hook 32 of the trigger 26
is a female or receiving member. However, the arrangement could be
reversed. Preferably, each hook 32, 44 includes interference
surfaces that contact one another to inhibit relative movement in
the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 7, or perpendicular to the
axis of the fork leg. Thus, inadvertent disengagement of the
restraint device 10 is inhibited or prevented, thereby improving
the reliability of the device 10.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the fork
band 20 is illustrated. Preferably, the fork band 20 of FIG. 8 is
substantially similar to the fork band of FIGS. 1-7 in both
structure and function. Accordingly, only the differences are
discussed in detail. Preferably, the fork band 20 comprises a split
ring having projections 88 and an assembly slot 80 which may be
configured to receive a threaded fastener, which is used to reduce
the diameter of the fork band 20 to secure the fork band 20 to a
fork leg. The assembly slot 80 may be integrated into one of the
projections 88 near a frontward portion of the fork band 20. In the
illustrated arrangement, one of the projections 88 is larger in a
circumferential direction than the other projection 88. The larger
projection 88 includes the assembly slot 80. Between the
projections 88 is an engagement portion 82, which is configured to
engage the hook 32 of the trigger 26 (FIGS. 6A-B). The illustrated
engagement portion 42 includes an upwardly-facing hook 84.
Preferably, a fastener opening passes from an outer end of the
projection 88 toward the hook 84. In the illustrated arrangement,
the fastener opening passes completely through the projection 88.
However, in another arrangement, the fastener opening is blind.
That is, preferably, the fastener opening does not pass through the
end of the projection 88 closest to the hook 84. The fastener
opening can be threaded to accept a threaded fastener, which can be
used to reduce the size of the assembly slot 80 and the diameter of
the fork band 20 to secure the fork band 20 to the suspension
fork.
[0037] In operation, the suspension fork 11 is compressed until the
fork band 20 is positioned below the lever portion 22. The trigger
26 is moved to the advanced position (FIG. 6A) and held while the
suspension fork 11 is allowed to rebound, or move toward an
extended position. The exposed hook 32 of the trigger 26 engages
the hook 44 or 84 of the fork band 20. The shapes of the hooks 32,
44 (84) facilitate engagement therebetween. In some embodiments,
the surfaces of hooks 32, 44 (84) opposite of the interference
surfaces may be chamfered. Such chamfering would allow the surfaces
of the hooks 32, 44 (84) to glide over each other as the fork leg
of the suspension fork 11 is being compressed to set the restraint
device 10 even if the trigger 26 is lifted before the engagement
portion 42 of the fork band 20 has been positioned below the lever
portion 22, allowing the hook 44 (84) of the fork band 20 to engage
the hook 32 of the trigger 26 as the suspension fork 11 is allowed
to rebound. The suspension spring of the suspension fork 11 exerts
a force tending to extend the suspension fork 11; however, the
engagement of the fork band 20 and the lever portion 22 prevents
further extension to hold the suspension fork in a partially
compressed position. The interference surfaces of the hooks 32, 44
(84) inhibit or prevent relative movement in the direction of the
arrow A to inhibit or prevent undesired disengagement of the
restraint device 10. When the suspension fork is further
compressed, the hooks 32, 44 (84) become disengaged and the
magnetic force generated by magnetic members 36 and 38 move the
trigger 26 to the retracted position, thereby moving the restraint
device 10 to a disengaged position and permitting continued normal
operation of the suspension fork 11.
[0038] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof. In particular, while the present restraint
device has been described in the context of particularly preferred
embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the
present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects
of the device may be realized in a variety of other applications,
many of which have been noted above. Additionally, it is
contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention
described can be practiced separately, combined together, or
substituted for one another, and that a variety of combination and
subcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still
fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that
the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be
limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above,
but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
* * * * *